The Take Off And Landing Of Everything

Guy Garvey is reportedly surprised that his band made it to six albums, the blessed irony being that the previous Build a Rocket Boys! and this one are some of Elbow's most compelling, even sexy, work ever. The Santana-esque rhythm and ghostly organ of "Charge" blends perfectly with Garvey's typically sly use of negative-space strings. That it flows perfectly into the harmony-welded jauntiness of "Fly Boy Blue/Lunette" is a testament to Elbow's smooth sequencing and spiky songwriting. Everything from horns to drum machines abound here, yet it's one of Elbow's least showy efforts yet.